"FINDING HOME" AFGHAN RESETTLEMENT IN LOWELL, MA (PERSONAL PROJECT)
Scot Langdon, a Visual Journalist and Commercial Photographer from Hudson, NH, began a personal project in September 2021 to photograph an Afghan family’s resettlement to Lowell, Massachusetts from a Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. The series of black and white images focuses on the family, and specifically, the father, Zardad, and his path through English tutoring and opening a bank account, to interviewing for employment and settling into life in America. The photography project titled, “Finding Home” will hang in the 3rd floor mini gallery at the Western Avenue Artists’ Building located at 122 Western Avenue, Lowell, Ma. The gallery show will run the month of July, with photographer presentation and discussion on Saturday July 2nd at 1:00 PM. Donations for the family are being accepted.
When asked about being a volunteer, Carolyn Coffin, one of volunteers working with Zardad, stated, “It is one of the most enriching experiences I have ever had. The experience really helps you to see your own culture, systems, and customs from the outside in, and to be able to help a stranger in navigating their new life in the US. Any experience that increases one's empathy is a worthwhile pursuit!”
Project Background
The photography project came to life after Mr. Langdon read an interview regarding the resettlement of Afghan refugees in New England with assistance of the International Institute of New England (IINE). The Boston-based non-profit organization has been managing the intake and coordination of refugees into New England for over 100 years, beginning in Lowell, MA. After a series of meetings and introductions, Langdon was put in touch with a group of volunteers responsible for the family’s local tutoring, job interview training and hands-on moving from the host family in Concord, MA to their own apartment in Lowell. Throughout these milestones, Langdon is there to photograph their journey.
Photographer Biography
Scot Langdon grew up in southern Connecticut and works as a professional photographer in the Boston area. His work crosses between visual journalism and design-influenced commercial work. As a Visual Journalist, Langdon focuses on stories displaying moments of struggle and elation, cultural differences, and the respect and dignity for humanity. As a commercial photographer, he has collaborated with clients in hospitality and real estate, healthcare, architecture, and design, creating graphically pleasing interiors and exteriors.
Mr. Langdon has exhibited his work with the Griffin Museum of Photography, Winchester, MA ; The Western Avenue Artists & Lofts Gallery, Lowell, MA; New Hampshire Artists’ Association in Portsmouth, NH, Main Street Art, Newfields, NH, and a solo show with the Nashua Artists’ Association, Nashua, NH. Langdon graduated from the Newhouse School at Syracuse University. After college, he spent five weeks photographing the volunteer community on Kibbutz Malkiyya in Northern Israel. He has staff photojournalist experience working in local and regional publications. His work has been published in The Lowell Sun News, The MetroWest Middlesex News, The Auburn Citizen, North End Magazine in Manchester, NH, Tow Times Magazine, and AmeriHealth Caritas Magazine.
**** This project is also available as a traveling exhibition with photographer discussion.
Read MoreWhen asked about being a volunteer, Carolyn Coffin, one of volunteers working with Zardad, stated, “It is one of the most enriching experiences I have ever had. The experience really helps you to see your own culture, systems, and customs from the outside in, and to be able to help a stranger in navigating their new life in the US. Any experience that increases one's empathy is a worthwhile pursuit!”
Project Background
The photography project came to life after Mr. Langdon read an interview regarding the resettlement of Afghan refugees in New England with assistance of the International Institute of New England (IINE). The Boston-based non-profit organization has been managing the intake and coordination of refugees into New England for over 100 years, beginning in Lowell, MA. After a series of meetings and introductions, Langdon was put in touch with a group of volunteers responsible for the family’s local tutoring, job interview training and hands-on moving from the host family in Concord, MA to their own apartment in Lowell. Throughout these milestones, Langdon is there to photograph their journey.
Photographer Biography
Scot Langdon grew up in southern Connecticut and works as a professional photographer in the Boston area. His work crosses between visual journalism and design-influenced commercial work. As a Visual Journalist, Langdon focuses on stories displaying moments of struggle and elation, cultural differences, and the respect and dignity for humanity. As a commercial photographer, he has collaborated with clients in hospitality and real estate, healthcare, architecture, and design, creating graphically pleasing interiors and exteriors.
Mr. Langdon has exhibited his work with the Griffin Museum of Photography, Winchester, MA ; The Western Avenue Artists & Lofts Gallery, Lowell, MA; New Hampshire Artists’ Association in Portsmouth, NH, Main Street Art, Newfields, NH, and a solo show with the Nashua Artists’ Association, Nashua, NH. Langdon graduated from the Newhouse School at Syracuse University. After college, he spent five weeks photographing the volunteer community on Kibbutz Malkiyya in Northern Israel. He has staff photojournalist experience working in local and regional publications. His work has been published in The Lowell Sun News, The MetroWest Middlesex News, The Auburn Citizen, North End Magazine in Manchester, NH, Tow Times Magazine, and AmeriHealth Caritas Magazine.
**** This project is also available as a traveling exhibition with photographer discussion.
